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[Reprinted from Thk Amkkk an IIimokuai, Kkvikw, Vol. VIII., No. 2, Jan., I903. } 



\_e\Ve.TS ..."\Ld \ri(i-Tr\AS v^v^jt^m .,. 



2. Letters of Samuel Cooper to Thomas Potvnall, lydg-ijjj} 

The following letters of the Reverend Samuel Cooper relate to 
public affains in the American colonies before the outbreak of the 
Revolution and during the war. As far as the present writer i.s 
aware they are now for the first time printed. 

In the library of George III., presented to the nation by George 
IV., is a manuscript volume (British Museum, King's MSS. 201) 
comprising " Original Letters, from Dr. Franklin to the Reverend 
Doctor Cooper, Minister of the Gospel in the Town of Boston in 
New England, in the years 1769. 1770, 1771, 1772, 1773, and 
1774, upon the subject of American Politics." With this volume 
are two others, bound and lettered in the same style, the one con- 
taining original letters from Governor Pownall to Dr. Cooper (//-'z^., 
202), and the other, drafts and copies, in his own handwriting, of 
letters from Dr. Cooper to Dr. Franklin and Governor Pownall 
{ibid., 203). A fourth volume {ibid., 204) contains copies of Cooper's 
letters to Franklin, Franklin's letters to Cooper (except that of De- 
cember 30, 1770), and all but two of Pownall's to Cooper, the letters 
of Cooper to Pownall being omitted." 

1 A brief notice of Samuel Cooper may be found in Vol. VI. , p. 301, of the Review. 

^ Preceding the transcripts in the last -mentioned volume is a short history of these 
letters, which runs as follows : 

" Account of the manner in which the following Letters came into the hands of the 
Person who now possesses them. 

" Immediately after the Afifair of Lexington, which happened upon the 19th of 

AM. HIST. REV., VOL. VIII. 20. 






302 Documents 

Pownall's twenty-six letters to Cooper, comprising' " the newly 
discovered evidence " of Frederick Griffin, may be found published, 
generally entire, in that author's Junius Discovivcd (Boston and 
London, 1854). Cooper's letters to Pownall, fourteen in number, 
beyond an occasional extract, have not, as far as the present writer 
can learn, been heretofore printed. The first letter here printed, 
dated "Boston Feby. 18. 69." and the last one, dated " 28. March 
1777," are in the possession of Mr. Marvin M. Ta)-lor of Worcester, 
Massachusetts. Frederick Tuckerman. 

I. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 
Dear Sir, BosroN Feby. 18. 69. 

I am now to acknowledg the Favor of your Letters of the 16 and 
20th of Nov'r last, and to Thank you for the kind and particular In- 

.April, 1775, the Town of Hoston was surrounded by the Rebels and all intercourse with 
the Country was cut off. Those who were in the Town were not allowed to quit it with- 
out the permission of the commander in chief, and no person was allowed to pass the 
lines to go into the country without first being searched by Officers appointed by the Gen- 
eral for that purpose. At this time many of the leading Men of the disaffected party 
were still in the Town, and among the rest the Revd. Dr. Cooper, Minister of the ( lospel 
to one of the Religious Societies in that town, a Man of great weight and influence among 
the people, who admired him as much for his Abilities, as they respected him on account 
of his Holy profession, and his exemplary life and conversation. He, with many others, 
made immediate application for leave to quit the Town, and obtained a Passport for that 
purpose. 

" At this time he had in his possession the Originals of the following Letters from 
Dr. Franklin, together with the original draughts of his Answers, and a great number of 
letters from Gov. Pownall, written the same time, upon the same subject, with the 
•draughts of &11 his answers to them. Being unwilling to destroy these papers, and afraid 
•of detection if he attempted to take them with him through the Lines, he determined to 
leave them behind in the hands of a confidential friend, with directions to forward them 
to him by the first safe conveyance. He accordingly packed them all up together in a 
bundle, and sent them to Mr. Jeffries, one of the selectmen of Boston, who at that time 
was sick, and unable to leave the Town. He was confined to his bed, when these papers 
were brought to him ; they were therefore put by in a trunk which contained oiher things 
of his own. As sonn as .Mr. Jeffries was recovered from his illness, he left the Town, 
and followed the rest of his Party into the Country. 

" His son, Dr. John Jeffries, who is now one of the Surgeons to the Hospital at 
New York, not choosing to take part in the Rebellion, refused to accompany his father 
into the Country. With this Son he left everything that he could not take with him, and 
among other things the beforementioned trunk, either not knowing or forgetting that it 
contained a treasure belonging to his friend. This trunk remained near a year in Dr. 
Jeffries' possession without his knowing what it contained, till, upon the evacuation of 
Boston in the month of March following, collecting his effects in order to embark with 
them for Hallifax, he accidently discovered this packet of Letters, and finding them 
interesting, took care to preserve them. From Hallifax he brought them with him to 
London in January last [1777, Ellis; 1779, Sabine], and made a present of them to 
Mr. Thompson [presumably Benjamin Thompson, later created Count Rumford], who 
now presumes most humbly to lay them at His Majesty's feet, as a literary, as well as a 
political curiosity." 

' At the head of the original of this letter is written, " Letter 4<'i. ToTho^ Pownall 
Esqi; Copy." Tljomas Pownall, LL.D. , F. R.S., F.S..-\., statesman and antiquary, was 



f. 



Letters of Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pouniall 303 

formation you have given me of Affairs relating to America, and this 
Province in particular. As I am fully persuaded both of your Ability 
and Inclination to serve us, and have heard with much Pleasure of your 
friendly Exertions on our Behalf, I shall omit no ' P^ndeavors of my own, 
as far as they will go to enlarge your Opportunities of shewing your Kind 
Regard to us. I have made, and shall continue to make the best Use of 
your Letters to this End, and at the same Time in so cautious a a manner 
as to avoid ev'ry Inconvenience to you. — The Agents for America, lam 
afraid have not thoroly done their Duty to their Constituents. De 
Berdt - has grossly fail'd respecting the Petitions committed to his Care 
— I am told it was asserted in Parliament, in Favor of the Secretary of State, 
that the Petition of y''' House was never given to him ; nor can I learn that 
this was contradicted, tho the Agent wrote the Speaker that He had offered 
it to H s Lordship. — The Province is certainly much oblig'd to you for 
the sound Advice you gave him res])ecting the Petition of the Conven- 
tion,* and his not acting according to it, at such a Crisis appears to me 
unpardonable, and has lost him much Confidence here. I was surprised 
to see the Complexion of the Thing such after the Petition had got 
home, and the good Conduct and Effect of the Convention were known, 
as also the Testimony of the Council to the good Order of the Town ; 
and am afraid this was owing to uncandid and exaggerated Accounts 
transmitted from hence, and too easily credited by Administration. "I'he 
People of this Town and Province, are under this great Disadvantage, 
that living so distant from the great Fountain of Government, they 
Know not what has been alledg'd against them, nor in what Light their Con- 
duct has been plac'd, and con^^equently it is out of their Pow'r to vindicate 
themselves till the Misrepresentation has had its Effect. — In political Con- 
tests, of so important a Nature as the present, between Britain and the Col - 
onies, is it just that Government should act upon Accounts stated ex parte ; 
for such we may suppose many of the Accounts receiv'd at the great offices 
from the immediate Servts of the Crown, and industriously conceal' d 

born at 1 iiicoln about 1722, and graduated at Cambridge in 1743. Ten years later became 
to America as private secretarj' to Sir Dan vers Osborn, Bart., royal governor of New \'ork. 
In 1755 'ic was appointed commissioner for Massachusetts; and in 1757 succeeded 
General Sbirley as governor of that province. In 1759 he was appointed governor of 
South Carolina, but he never assumed the government of that colony. In 1760 he 
returned to iMigland, and satin Parliament first for the Cornish borough of Tregony, and 
subsequently for Minehead, Somerset. He died at Bath, February 25, 1805. Pownall was 
a staunch friend to the American colonies, and as a member of Parliament strenuously 
opposed the ministerial measures against them. He protested against the war with 
America, predicting the consequences which followed. For some further account of him 
see IH(t. A^at. Bioi^., XLVI. pp. 264-268. A list of his writings may be found in the 
appendix to fiiiiuts Discovered, by Griffin. 

^ After this the word " opportunity " is written and stricken out. Other erasures of 
this kind have been made, but have not been transferred in publication. 

•^ Dennis De Bt-idt, colonial agent in England for the Massachusetts assembly. 

^ This word may be "y^," /. c, "the" and perhaps it should be printed "the" 
here. 

■"The convention of September 22, 176S. See Frothingham, Life of IVairefi, 86-96. 



•?04 Documents 

from the People who are essentially interested in them ; Ought not 
the People to be made acquainted with these Accounts, and invited to 
vindicate themselves as far as they can, before Decisions are founded 
upon them that must affect their most important Interests — I find it has 
been receiv'd among you, as an undoubted Fact, that the Convention was 
called by the I'own of Boston, upon the Precedent of 1688 — on Sup- 
position of the Dissolution of Government, and with Intention to erect a 
new one — Had this been true, I should not wonder at the Resentment 
expres't against the Town of Boston, and the Circular Letter of the 
Selectmen. But this is far from the Truth — I never heard that they 
intended to proceed upon such a Ground, till it came from your Side 
the Water, suggested I believe from hence — The Letter mentions no 
such Thing— and it was, I am persuaded, far from the Intention 
of those who propos'd and carried that measure. If the Proceedings 
of the Convention were legal, innocent, and even meritorious, as I 
think they were, so were those of the Town of Boston, and of 
the Selectmen, that made Way for the Convention — The Design of 
it was, to calm the People, to prevent Tumults, to recognize the 
Authority of Government by humble Remonstrances and Petitions, 
and to lead the People to seek Redress only in a Constitutional 
Way. The discerning who promoted this Measure, saw that it must 
have this Effect. Had any Thing been intended in Opposition to Govern- 
ment, common Sense would have forbid the Calling the Members to as- 
semble in this Capital, where all they said and did must be Known, and 
would have left them to act more secretly, and effectually in the several 
Districts where they had Influence — The Publicity of the Meeting, was 
consider'd as the surest Pledg of the Prudence and good Temper of 
their Proceedings. Candor would have thus represented it to Ad- 
ministration. I have nothing to say, as to the Propriety of the Vote 
respecting Arms — It had an ill Api)earance upon which Account I dis- 
lik'd it ; but that was all. it was strictly legal — For it was not, as has 
been maliciously represented, a Resolution to take up Arms, but only to 
comply with a Law that obliges the Inhabitants to be proviih'd ivith 
them. There was at that Time, not only a Report, but a General Appre- 
hension of a War with France — Some however, I do believe were in 
Favor of this Vote, not Knowing what Excesses the Troops that were 
then expected might commit, and because they judg'd it expedient for 
the Inhabitants at such a Juncture to avail themselves of the Privilege 
given them by Law, and that a public Declaration of this might be a Se- 
curity to them. 

Mr Greenville's Pamphlet is in many Places rather plausible than 
solid — Your Note is handsom [?] and conclusive — It is strange that we 
should be rejjresented as paying no Taxes, becau-e we avoid as much 
as may be. Duties and Ikirdens upon Trade, and make jjrompt Payment; 
— that a Necessity for Paper mony should be be consider'd as a Mark of 
our Riches, and that a Tax should be propos'd to be laid on America, 
an infant Country, twice as large as upon Ireland, an old Kingdom, of 



Letters of Sauuiel Cooper to TJiomas Poivnall 305 

establish' d Manufactures — that the [///d^/M'] of Woollen Manufactures, 
should be held out as a Douceur to the last, and nothing but a severely- 
restricted Trade to poor America. — A larger Quantity of British Goods 
were imported into America, the Year of the Stamp Act than in the 
succeeding ones, because the Merchants here gave Orders to their Cor- 
respondents, in Case they apprehended the Repeal would take Place, to 
shi|) a more than common Quantity of Goods; because the Act had 
given a start to American Manufactures wch was perceptible the next 
year and still further promoted by subsequent Acts of the same Spirit : 
so that Facts truly stated are directly repugnant to the Author's Argu- 
ment. Manufactures daily advance among us : Hundreds of the Troops 
station' d here have already deserted, delighted with the Country, and 
mixing with its Inhabitants, carrying useful Arts and Trades as well as 
military Skill, wherever they go — In short, ev'ry hard Measure from 
Britain, reacts upon itself; and true Policy respecting America seems to 
have forsaken your Councils. 

I have heard that when the Secretary of State was pres't in Parlia- 
ment, upon American Measures, it was said in his Vindication, that the 
Order to dissolve the Assembly in Case of Non rescinding, was never de- 
sign'd as a Threat to a Corporation ; that being address'd to the Gov- 
ernor, as a Direction to his Conduct alone, it could by no Means be con- 
sider'd in that light ; and that another Assembly must of Course meet in 
May — But the Governor laid this Order before the Assembly, declaring 
himself indispensably oblig'd to obey it — It had therefore as much Effect 
upon their Deliberations as if it had been addres't immediately to them. 
The House desiring a short Recess, to consult their Constituent upon so 
important a Point, were refus'd — Nay when they only took a few days to 
deliberate upon it, the Governor grew impatient, and told them in a 
Message, that He expected an immediate Decision, and should regard a 
longer Hesitation as an absolute Denial, and proceed accordingly — Was 
all this HO Threat to a Corporation — ' 

II. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

May 11'.'' 1769 
My Dear Sir. 

I am extremely obliged to you for the trouble you have given your- 
self, so particularly to inform me of Affairs in which America is inter- 
ested. I havereceiv'd your Letters of 30 Jan^ [and] 13 Feb^ [and those 
of] 19, 21, 22 March" have been deliver'd to me. I wrote you by Capt. 
Hall, and Scot, who both promised me very particularly to deliver my 
Letters into your own Hand. Tho I suppose by your Letters, that some 
have not fulfill' d their engagements to me upon this Head. I shall how- 
ever take the best care I am able in this Point for the Time to come. Ev'ry 

1 The remainder of this letter is missing. With a few exceptions Dr. Cooper's 
draffs or copies are signed by him, either in full or with his initials. 

^ All of the letters here mentioned, except that of March 21, are printed by Griffin 
in Junius Discovered. 



3o6 Documents 

American and indeed ev'ry Friend to the true Interest of the Nation is 
indebted to you for your Speech in Parliament upon the Resolution in 
which you united Reasoning and Eloquence with a precise Knovvledg of 
Facts. But I'm afraid that some on your Side the water do not wish that 
things should be view'd in a clear and just Point of Light, they have taken 
their Part, and know not how to recede, and seem determin'd to use their 
utmost efforts to support the credit of their Representations, upon which 
they have hastily founded their Sentiments and Conduct — Measures that 
have been gone into thro Mistakes and ixom false Lii:^/its held out to lead- 
ing men, must be maintain'd and perserver'd in for the Sake of Dignity, 
as if it could be for the Honor or Support of Government to persist in 
Error. 

Your Speech which was soon Publish' d and dispers'd among us, tho 
not from the copy sent me, which came later than some others, is much 
admir'd among us, and regarded as a Proof of your Knowledg Public 
Business, and of your Zeal for the Welfare of both countries. But tho 
there is nothing in it, that I can discern, to give the least Umbrage to 
the warmest Friends of Government, yet I suspect that ev'ry Part of it is 
not highly relish' d by some few among us, who are fond of Assuming 

this character, and are for having ev'ry thing carried with a high 

Hand. On the other Side, some are jealous that from your concessions 
on the Head of externa/ Taxes you meant the Establishment of a Revenue, 
on Port Duties, which they say would not be going back to the old 
Ground : inasmuch as before the Stamp Act : Parliament evidently in- 
tended nothing more than a simple regulation of Trade for the Benefit of 
the whole as a Proof of which they allidg, that the Duties rais'd by the 
Molasses Act were consider' d only as Perquisites to the Officers here, and 
not appropriated to any use by Parliament, or bro't into the accounts of 
the Exchequer — In the observations on the state of the Nation, said here 
to be M' Rourkes, it is remark' d if I mistake not, that a Country from 
which Britain reapes the Fruits of a double Monopoly, that of all its Im- 
ports and all its exports, can never in true Policy be consider'd as the 
Object of Taxation — These Monopolies must draw from it all it can 
yield : and if they are not strictly Taxes, they certainly include all 
Taxes. So that Government may take the old Ground with ev'ry ad- 
vantage to itself — The Gentlemen of the convention and particularly the 
Selectmen of Boston are greatly oblig'd to you for your Candid and ac- 
curate Vindication of them, from these artful and cruel Misrepresentations 
which aim'd at nothing Short of involving them in the Penalties of 
Treason — Tho there is not a man among us, but must be convinc'd in 
his own Mind, from the open Part which they took, and from other cir- 
cumstances that these Gentlemen were not apprehensive that they were 
doing anything illegal. 1 cannot think of the Malignity of some among 
us, without Detestation and Horror. 

I do not wonder that the nullum Tempus Bill, was not consider'd as 
extending to America; nor am I surpris'd after what has taken place; 
that it made a Question whether any of the great acts, that guard the 



Letters of Samuel Cooper to TJumias Ponuiall 307 

Liberties of the Subject do thus extend an unbounded Pow'r, can do 
anything with us. It can create and anihilate us as often as it Pleases, 
whom we are to obey, it can make us absolutely and completely British 
Subjects : when we claim a Privelege it can as easily unmake us. How 
dreadfully precarious is such a condition, and can any Man imagine, that ■ 
so great a Part of the Nation, as now inhabits America, and that is rap- 
idly growing, to an equality in Numbers with those within the Realm, 
can be contented with such a Situation, while they have as thoro an 
understanding as high a value for the Rights of the British Constitution 
as any who enjoy them : We must be plac'd upon a broader and firmer 
Bottom than we stand at present or Things will inevitably tumble into 
confusion — I am oblig'd to you for the copy Inclos'd of the Mutiny 
Bill, it being the only one in the Place. — I read it to General Mackay, ^ 
who arrived about a Fortnight ago. — The alterations which you origi- 
nated have greatly amended the act — But the passing a Law here for the 
Purpose Mention'd, is like to meet with opposition upon two accounts; 
because we have never made an act the operations of which is to be Sus- 
pended \\\\ it be confirm'd by the King ; and because People will be ex- 
tremely jealous of anything that shall look like a conceding to the estab- 
lishment of an Army among us in Time of Peace. — For the same Reasons 
as because the Troops were quarter' d in this Town in direct opposition 
to act of Parliament, our assembly will thoroly deliberate I imagine be- 
fore they give any Money towards the Support of these Troops in their 
present Situation. Many I am persuaded w'd chose to have their Money 
taken from them by Force, rather than give the Sanction of their own 
consent, to the Maintenance of an Army sent among us under Pretence 
of aiding the civil Magistrates, while they protested ag'st it, and which 
threatens to overthrow the constitution. 

1 enclose you the Instruction of the Town of Boston, from which you 
may judg of the general Disposition of the whole Province : and how far 
the late measures are likely to soften us to any concession — Our Merchs 
stand firm to their agreement respecting Non Importation of Goods.'' 
Some who had goods sent contrary to expectation, have readily resign'd 
them to a committee of the Body. — a few who never enter'd into the 
agreement and have imported a small Quantity, have their Names pub- 
lish'd in Hand Billits, to their great vexation, because they know it is 
the Spirit of the People in the country as well as Town not to purchase 
of them. For which Purpose Engagements will be form'd among the 
Purchasers of Connecticut and N. Hampshire as well as this Province. 
Ill Humers if violently repell'd at one avenue do naturally break out at 

' Colonel (afterwards Major-General ) Alexander Mackay arrived in Boston with tbe 
troops from Ireland in November, 1768, being at that time in command of the 65'h 
Regiment. He returned to England the following August. See Mass. Hist. Coil., ( tli 
Series, IX. 170. note. 

2 The merchants and traders of ISoston had entered into an agreement not to import 
goods from Great Britain, and further agreed that no goods should be sent from IJosi. n 
until the revenue acts had been repealed, and so notified De l!erdt, the agent of the col- 
ony in England. See Mem. Hist. BostO'i. III. 29, note. 



^o8 Documents 

another, till there is a radical cure. The same Firmness is discover' d by 
the Merchants at N. York and some that have imported there, have 
Solemnly engag'd to send back their goods while we are thus stopping 
our Importation 

Manufactories continually increase among us ; We are ambitious of being 
clad in our own Produce ; and the invention of a Sagacious and injur'd 
People quite thro this extended Continent is now upon the Stretch, to 
find out ways and means to supply themselves, and diminish the com- 
mercial advantage Britain has reaped from them. — This is indeed an 
unnatural state — But we have been drove to it, and if the Presure 
continues the state will become natural by Habit, and the Tree will 
break before it is made strait again. In the Mean Time the Figure 
and Influence of the Nation is impair' d — The weight of Negotiation is 
lost. — It is understood that Peace must be preserv'd upon any Terms 
with Foreign Pow'rs. — The Manilla Ransom must and other Points Per- 
haps of greater importance must be wav'd from confessed Weakness. 
This indited new Insults and Infractions of Treaties — and precipitates 
rather than protract a dreaded War — And for what are the Foundations 
thus out of course? Sovereignty you always had and might continue to 
have ; ev'ry good and valuable Purpose — nor can the Colonies be more 
useful upon any Plan than that upon wch they stood from the Beginning 
and is [it] worth while to incur such capital Distresses for the sake of a 
Shadow : or to Support a few unworthy Servants of the Crown, whose 
Avarice, paltry Ambition, and base Misrepresentations, have shook the 
Empire, and essentially injur'd the Service of that good Prince, they 
were under ev'ry obligation to promote. — 

Governor Bernard is still convinc'd as we \Jllegihle\ to sooth us, on 
Doubt into compliance. — and employ his great Interest with the People 
for the service of the Crown, strange that He should seem so loth to 
leave a country He has so grossly injur'd and abus'd, and He has indeed 
essentially tho undesignedly Serv'd us — Had he been wise and smooth 
and known how to have establish'd himself upon a broad Bottom, our 
Liberties might have been lost without a strougle The assembly 1 be- 
lieve will keep up as firm a Tone as any former ones ; and the Council 
will be more than ever united with the House and the People — For this 
we are greatly indebted to the Governor — 

From what you dropt in your last letter, I expect the Agency would not 
now be agreable to you ; as it would give me great Pleasure to have you 
in that important Trust, but much more to see you again at the Head of 
the Province, as no man would be more likely to heal our Wounds, and 
essentially to promote the service of both Countries — The Rev'd M!' 
Moore, Presbyterian Minister of Hallifax, promises to deliver this to you 
with his own Hand — He goes to Sollicit Aid for the poor Ministers at 
N. Scotia: He is well recommended, and His Success in this affair seems 
to me of no small Importance to the Support of this declining Province. 

To T. Povvnall I<vsq'''' 



Letters of San me/ Cooper to Thomas Pownall 309 

III. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

July 12. 1769 
Sir 

I wrote you the 11'.'' May acknowledging the receit of several Letters 
from you ; and again about the middle of June, which 1 hope you have 
receiv'd — D' [Franklin] favor'd me with Notes of what you deliver'd in 
Parliament, in favor of a Repeal of the Revenue Act. Whatever might 
have been said in reply to this Speech I am persuaded it was never 
Answer'd ; The Force of your Arguments appears to me irresistable ; 
and they who were for delaying this just and wise measure to a more 
convenient Season, will never I believe fine \sic'\ such an one. I have 
made the best and most jjrudent use of these Notes, allowing some 
Friends, and the Speaker ' of the House among others, to communicate 
them as they tho't might be of advantage, but have suffer'd no Part to 
be copied, or appear in Print, less thro the Baseness of the Times it 
might be improv'd to your Disadvantage — 1 gave in my last an account 
of the Transactions of the Court at their first coming together ; you will 
see by the Replys not only of the lower House but of both Houses to 
the Governors Messages and by the Resolutions, the Temper that pre- 
vails it is as I told you it would be, more rais'd and fir'd, by ill Treatment. 
The assembly have been greatly divided about the affair of an Agent 
It has been generally tho't necessary that a Person should be sent from 
hence, in that character to be join'd by another on y' side the Water, 
to guard ag'st any Misrepresentation of Facts by G. B.^ But they have 
been far from agreeing who these Persons should be. Several leading 
men among us it is tho't, have secretly desir'd the Trust and have travers'd 
one another. The Council are zealous for M' Bollan,^ with whose ser- 
vice particularly in procuring authentic copies of Bernards and Gage's 
Letters, they are extremely pleas'd — Finding they were not like to 
obtain his Election by your Ballot with the House they unanimously 
[chose] him as Agent for the Council. — The House have chosen none, 
and I am told are not like to agree upon any, so the Speaker is desir'd 
to send their Papers to whom He pleases, and as he is connected with 
Deberdt who has still a considerable Interest, He it is probable will be 
the Person. Thus the Matter stands at present. — How long it will 
remain so I pretend not to say. But however devided they are in this 
Point, they were never so much united in the great American Cause, and 
in the Resolutions they were unanimous. If any of them appears harsh, 
you must impute it to the Severity with which we have been treated and 
the irritation produc'd, and continu'd by the ill conduct of some to 
whom the business of the Crown has been committed. 

' Thomas Gushing was speaker of the Massachusetts assembly. 

^Sir Francis Bernard, Bart., from 1760 to 1771 governor of the province of Massa- 
chusetts. 

3 William Bollan, for some years agent in England for the province, and afterwards 
agent for the Council alone. 



3 1 o Docwnoits 

Great I 'art of the Navy and Army are leaving us with the Governor 
and (General Mackay. The Lieut. Governor's Conduct, relative to some 
causes that have come before the supreme Court, in which Military Officers 
are concern'd, have greatly increas'd a Dissaffection to him. A speci- 
men Copy of the Resolutions before they were finish' d by the House, 
appear' d in Print, one of which seem'd to claim all Legeslative Authority 
in Parliament over the Colonies. The Governor immediately sent the 
Secretary to the Speaker for an authentic Copy. He replied that the 
resolutions were still under the consideration of the House, and not com- 
pleated and that what had appear'd in Print was imperfect and not gen- 
uine. I mention this least any advantage c'd be taken of this circum- 
stance. I send you a copy of the Council's Letter etc upon Governor 
Bernard's Representation, the Baseness of which cannot but be universally 

detested 

I am Sir 
To Governor Pownall 
Mem 

Wrote by CoP Hoar July 26. by the Ripper Man of War 

IV. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Boston, Septr 8. 69 
Sir . 

In one of my late Letters, I gave you a short account, how the affair 
of an Agent was conducted in the Assembly ; but lest that Letter should 
Miscary, I think it not amiss to Mention this Matter again : The coun- 
cil some of whom have Family connections with M' Bollan being highly 
pleas'd with his service in behalf of the Colonies, and on their own 
Principles particularly his procuring authentic copies of Letters laid 
before Parliament, were disirous he should be appointed agent for the 
Province, and accordingly with this view propos'd to join the House in 
a choice ; But apprehending they were not like to carry this Point, they 
soon relinquish'd the projjosal of a joint Ballot, and chose him as Agent 
for the Council, Meaning by this step to testify their regard to him, and 
secure him some public character, and hoping to induce the House after- 
wards to make the same choice. But not withstanding the very popular 
Point of procuring the Letters, no Interest could be made in the House 
for M' Bollan as agent, M' Bowdoin was much talk'd of as a proper 
Person to take off any Misrepresentation of the Town and Province etc. 
and [it] was confidently expected by almost all out of Doors that He 
w'd be unanimously chosen But he was not fond of this Trust himself, 
his Family connections were also against it for the Difficulty of Satisfy- 
ing Peoples expectations in such a business. In the House it was objected 
privately that he was a Manager of the Plymouth company, who were 
endeavering to carry the Trial of real estate before the King in Council — 
In Truth the Leaders in the House were suppos'd at Bottom to have an 
Inclination for this i'rust, at least the offer of it. If this was the case as 



Letters of Samuel Cooper to TJioiuas Poiunall 3 1 1 

I believe, they thoroly counter work'd and disapointed each other: so 
that at the close of the session, they appear' d to care a little about the 
Matter: and spoke of an Agent as unnecessary, and the House left it 
with the Speaker to write to whom he pleas' d but soon after appointed 
De berdt for another year. 

Many among us are of opinion that it would be best for the Colonies 
to have no Agent and concern ourefelves no more about Remonstrances 
and Petitions, which have had hitherto so little effect, and to leave the 
Ministry to procure their own measures till they find themselves like Gov- 
ernor Bernard at the end of their Tether, to which if I mistake not they 
are by this Time very near if not quite arriv'd — Our General Court was 
prorogu'd by S' Francis, before he left us till January.' He is gone 
home with high expectations of improving the Proceeding of last sessions 
greatly to our Prejudice ; and since his departure we have had copies of 
Letters of His and others from him and others w'ch discover as base 
and infamous a Design, to compass the ruin of the Province as perhaps 
any History can parrallel. M: Hutchinson" when assuming the chair, 
made a soft complaisent speech to the Council and is prudent en'o not 
to have so many Councils as in the late administration upon trifling occa- 
sions, and beneath the Dignity of such a Body. He would be glad not 
to [be] tho't by the People to have been very closely connected with 
Sr Francis etc ; but he will find it hard to effect this ; and He had in- 
deed not many warm Friends, who were not friendly to the other : so 
that without a change of Measures at home He will not be able to do 
much in Favor of Government or to negotiate such ground as you hint it 
has been led to expect. 

Our Merchs. remain firm, you teach us to live more and more within 
ourselves. Your own Troubles I find increase ev'ry year bring you 
nearer to War; and almost ev'ry measure has given the enimies of the 
Nation an advantage a Rupture will at once shew the true state of Brit- 
ain, and it will awake like Sampson shorn of his strength. But I check 
myself. 

And am dear Sir 
To Pownall 

V. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Boston N. E. i Jan-' 1770 
Dear Sir. 

By your last Fetters of Sept 25 ^ I have the Pleasure to find you 
were safe arriv'd from Ireland : I do not wonder that the Patriots of 
[that] Kingdom have a sympathy for America. Common Dangers and 

1 " When the Massachusetts Assembly, sitting at Cambridge, had refused to grant 
the supplies demanded by Bernard, that functionary prorogued it to the tenth of Janu- 
ary. When that d: te arrived, Hutchinson, under arbitrary instructions from Hillsbor- 
ough, prorogued it s'ill further to the middleof March." Mem. Hint. Boston, III. 28. 

2 Thomas Hutchinson, the lieutenant governor. 

3 There are two letters from Governor Pownall of this date, both printed in Griffin, 
/. c, 235 ff. 



3 1 2 Documents 

Suffering are apt to unite us, and however free the ruling Nation may be 
in itself, it behoves the state dependent upon, jointly to guard against 
encroaching Pow'r. It has been observ'd, however it comes to pass, 
that the Provinces of a free Nation have commonly much less privelege 
in comparison with their Fellow Subjects, than those that belong to an 
arbitrary Prince. Ireland I have ever tho't, has had hard measures, but 
the Priveledge of granting their own property is still left — should this 
Natural this constitutional, this unalienable Right be ever torn from these 
Colonies, I do believe we should be as oppres't and miserable a People 
as any under Heav'n. Those who profit of the Revenue here would 
continually employ their invention to enlarge it, without regard to the 
abilities or Inclinations of the People, to propose new Burdens, new ways 
and means, and new Securities for the collection, Government would 
confide generally in its servants here, and see with their eyes, and our 
remonstrances coming from a distant People, cold upon Paper, and from 
a People represented as disaffected, would avail little. You cannot won- 
der that the most sober among us shudder at the must distant prospect of 
such a situation. We are sensible that before the late Revenue Acts, we 
were upon a better Footing than that of Ireland, but should the entring 
wedg remain we shall soon be in a much worse. And we do not wish 
for an establishment like Ireland Secretary, Secretary Oliver,^ who has 
lately been at N. York upon the affair of the Line between that Province 
and N. Jersey has shewn me a Plan, or rather a few general Propositions 
for the settlement of America, which he tells me some Gentlemen in 
that city are fond of, and have wrote home to their Friends to bring for- 
ward. — The.se Propositions have never appear'd in Print : they are not 
known here ; nor have I ever heard of them but from the Secretary. — 
They mean to establish an American Parliament, chosen by the general 
Legislatures of the Colonies. I have no expectation from this Proposal, 
imagining it would neither be agreable to Government at home, from 
the union it proposes, nor to the Generality here for other reasons, 
whatever may be suggested by Individuals from this side the Water, the 
Body of the People are forrecuring to first Principles — The old estab- 
lishment upon which they have grown and Flourish' d. The Charter of 
Wl" and M. gives ev'ry reasonable security to the Nation and Govern- 
ment ; for our Subordination — No Mony can be rais'd, no Act pass'd 
but by the consent of the Governor appointed by the King. Should a 
a disagreable Act escape it can be anihilated by the King in Council. 
Moreover the Disposal of Offices civil and Military by the Governor 
creates a great Interest among ourselves, and even in the Representatives 
of the People on the side of Prerogative. I might Mention, but need 
not to you, have said so much. What addition can be made in Equity 
or Policy to all this; and yet many People seem to imagine that if the 
Colonies should obtain what they have petition'd for, they must imme- 

' \n(lrew Oliver (Harvard College, 1724) was a member of the council from 1746 
to 1765, and .secretary of the province from 1756 to 1770. In 1771 he succeeded Hutch- 
inson as liciiienaut governor. 



Letters of Saruiiel Coope7^ to Thomas Pozvnall 313 

diately become independent. When indeed we wish nothing remov'd 
but innovations and innovations that experience has prov'dto be prejudi- 
cial to both countries ; and wish those securities to remain to the Nation, 
which our establishment, plann'd by some of the wisest men that ever 
adorn' d that Nation gives ; and which are really the firmest and best that 
can possibly be given. It is extremely dangerous to touch Foundations — 
and by resuming any Previlidge granted to the People by original Char- 
ters, they may be led to infer that the Restriction on themselves provided 
for in the same Charters are also vacated. 

I have endeavor'd to avail myself of your Letters for the Good of my 
Country — The Sentiments were so just and Striking that I could not 
forbear to publish a good Part of them, tho not in the form of an extract 
from a Letter; and carefully concealing except from a trusty few, the 
Hand from whence they came. Not that there was anything thro the 
whole that would not do you honor, had you been known as the author, 
but in these Times, I chose to err respecting my Friends on the safe side. 
I have wrote you fully upon the affairs of Agency for this Province — 
Tho I tho't the assembly would do Honor to themselves, and greatly 
promote the service of this Country by appointing one to this Trust, 
whose administrations had so happily united the Interest of the Crown 
and People, yet when I found the leading men among us look'd at it for 
themselves, I could not wish you to be dishonor' d by being canvas' d for 
Diberdt was nam'd at Last, and consider'd not as a ne-otiator, but 
meerly as a carrier, or Presenter of Letters ttc. It is now I find, con- 
sider'd as dangerous, by some men of Influence to have any Provincial 
Agent at all with such Pow'r as formerly given — They say it is incon- 
sistent to object against Representatives in Parliament, and yet put the 
Province, as it were, into the Pocket of one man, upon whom the Gov- 
ernor has a negative, that the Agent for N. York is appointed only by 
the Lower House, and that ihe want of Authority in such an appointment 
here, was first started by Sr Francis, and adopted by the Ministry only as 
a Protest. All this is objected to Bollan, who has prest strongly for more 
Pow'r, and notwithstanding some warm Friends in the Council will not 
be able I believe to carry this Point. In his Letter upon this Head, he 
has given a copy of his former Authorisation which is alarming great, and 
allow'd him to appearand Act for the Province, and in its Name, and in its 
Behalf, in all cases touching its Interests — The leading men in the House 
as far as I can discern are not for forming any dangerous alliances, nor 
throwing themselves into the arms of any Party on your side the Water : 
and some are rea'Iy to wish that we had not even the appearance of an 
Agent, nor the Form of any kind of negotiations, chosing rather to leave 
the American Cause to its own Weight. 

Our Merchants continue their Resolution not to import, except two 
or three, whose Dealing are small, and who, perhaps, may soon be dis- 
courag'd. — Not long since they came into an agreement not to import 
till the Duties on Molasses, Sugar etc. as well as the other Revenue Acts 
should be repeal'd — But the Merchants at Philadelphia etc. not chosing 



3 1 4 Documents 

to alter their first agreement, promising at the same Time, to unite in 
any future Measures that might be judg'd expedient for the removing 
ev'ry grievance, our Merchants for the sake of Preserving Union reverted 
to their former Stipulations. We are just inform'd that the assembly of 
N. York, has voted by a Majority of one. Supplies to the Troops. This 
occasion' d great Uneasiness among the People Many hundreds of whom 
assembled in the Fields, and expres't their Dislike of this Measure. S" 
Carolina Assembly has refus'd to make this Provision : and the present 
House of this Province will remain, I am persuaded, fix'd in their Reso- 
lution upon this Point. Tho had they not been wro't up by S' Francis' 
to an high Temper, they would have refus'd, so warmly, and with such 
Perempteriness. I am asham'd of the Neglect of our Selectmen in not 
writing you. — Writing is not their Talent, and I can venture to affirm 
that their silence is owing to Inattention, and not to want of Regard to 
you, and a grateful sense of your important services to them and to their 
country. We are all highly oblig'd to you, and your generous concern 
for us, will we hope continue these services — I shall write you the Pro- 
ceedings of the General Court, when it meets. The L' (Governor, it is 
said, will interpose for remo ing the main guard from the Door of the 
Court House ; but if the Troops remain in Town, I believe the House 
will do no business in it. We consider this Metropolis, and indeed the 
whole Province under Duress. The Troops greatly corrupt our Morals 
and are in ev'ry sense an oppression. May Heav'n soon deliver us 
from this great Evil, and grant to you and yours ev'ry Blessing. 
I am my Dear Sir with great Regard and affection 
Your Most Obdt. hum"" Servt 

Sam' Cooper 
Governor Pownall. 
Mem. 

Sent with this Observations of the Merchs on Act of 
Trade to M' Pownall and D' Franklin 

VI. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Boston Jan- 30 1770 
Dear Sir 

1 wrote you by Capt Hall the 30"' of this Month, who promis'd to 
deliver it with his own Hand. I then told you that the agreement of the 
Merchs here stood firm, tho the high Party here have promis'd them- 
selves the Pleasure of being able to write an account of its Dissolution 
before now. Great efforts have indeed been made for this, but hitherto 
they have been dissapointed — and the Spirit of Non-Importation rather 
rises than abates. Not long ago the two elder sons' of His Honor the 
Lieut Governor, Merchants secretly remov'd and sold some Tea w'ch 
they had agreed with the Merchs. to store, and of wch they had given 
the Keys This gave an alarm. The Merchs. call'd a Meeting of all 

' Sir Francis liernard, the governor. 

2 Thomas and Elisha Hutchinson. 



Letters of Sauuiel Cooper to T/iovias Powna// 3 i 5 

connected with Trade. This Meeting was large, and increas'd rather than 
diminish'd by adjournments. The Lieut. Governor soon call'd his coun- 
cil to oppose them : He propos'd a Proclamation to be issu'd ag'st them, 
as an illegal Assembly : and then that a Message to the same Purpose, 
s'd be sent them in the Name of the Governor and Council, neither of 
w'ch with all his address c'd be obtain'd by Him. The Meeting voted 
to proceed orderly and peaceably in a Body to the House of the Hutchin- 
sons, and some others who had violated their own Voluntary engagements 
with the Trade : five of the Body were appointed to treat, the rest were 
to observe a profound silence, w'ch they did. When they came to the 
Lieut. Governor's House, none of them were allow'd to enter, but his 
Honor threw up the Window, and appear' d as the principal negotiator. 
His Honor seem'd willing to consider them as making a tumultuous and 
threatning application to him as Governor. The Gentlemen observ'd 
that they came there, not to treat with him, but as the Dwelling of his 
sons, and reminding him of their dishonorable Violation of their own 
contract, in w'ch their Honor was depended on. He observ'd, that a 
contract without a valuable consideration was not valid in Law. Ujjon 
the whole the sons refus'd to give any Satisfaction to the Merchs. The 
evening following His Honor was in great Perplexity, and early the next 
Morning He sent for M."" Phillips the Moderator of the Meeting, and en- 
gag' d on the Part of his sons, that the Tea s'd be return' d and a sum of 
Money in the Room of what was sold. This was immedially [^sic] 
rej)orted to the Meeting and accepted. Afterwards He was greatly 
embarras'd, sensible that He and his sons were consider' d as the chief 
Bulwark of those who wish'd to see the Merchants agreement anihilated. 
He was blam'd for appearing below His Dignity as a negotiator in this 
business. His sons were blam'd even by his own Friends for their incon- 
sistent and Dishonorable conduct with the Merchs : The commissioners' 
were offended with what they call'd his weakness in this Listance, de- 
claring that he had now given the reins of Government into the Hands 
of the People, and that he c'd never recover them : — His Unpopularity 
is increas'd by this Step, He being consider' d as the first Governor upon 
the continent who has publicly and Directly oppos'd Himself to the 
Meeting of the Merchs as illegal. He told M: Phillips He was ruin'd — 
The Point was however gain'd by the Merchs., and He could not go 
back. All that remain'd was to exert himself in council to obtain a Dis- 
countenancing such Meetings : and after having wrote to the Body, with- 
out the consent of the Council, by Dint of Importunity one Gentlen)an 
was gain'd over, and a majority was procur'd for a kind of adoption - of 
what He had written. The meeting went on Steadily with their Busi- 
ness, and then agreed peaceably to disperse. The last Day of their being 
together, His Honor summon' d a Number of Justices from the Country 
to attend him ; but this step was attended with no advantage to him, ^m 

' Commissioners of the cusloms in Boston. The board consisted ol" Charles I'axti ii, 
Henry Hulton, William Burch, John Robinson, and John Temple. 
- Adaption ? 



3 I 6 Dociuneiits 

the contrary it disgusted the T.own, and jiarticularly the Magistrates of 
it ; and even the council themselves, who consider'd these Justices as a 
kind of second Board. 

The {^\\ who continue to import, and who it is said are secretly sup- 
ported by great Promises, are avoided more than ever by customers, and 
grow more obnoxous. In the mean Time our own Manufactures take 
deeper root, and the necessity of Importing English Goods lessens ev'ry 
Day, some striking Instances of wch had I Time I c'd give you. The 
Proroguing our General Court by order at a Time when if ever the Prov- 
ince needs the aid of its grand council, is consider'd as a great Griev- 
ance as [a] violent stopping of our complaints, and as a direct violation 
of our charter, wch provides that this shall be determin'd by the King's 
Representative upon the spot, according to his own judgment upon the 
Posture of affairs. Moreover such a step, instead of cooling tends to 
warm the Members more when they come together, and to heighten a 
spirit wch the Ministry w'd wish to abate. Upon the whole our un- 
easiness and those circumstances among us, that tend to the Prejudice of 
Gt. Britain, are upon the growing hand, and Time will confirm the 
Truth of what you observ'd the last session of Parliament, that then was 
the fittest season for establishing the Prosperity of the Empire, by just 
and mild Measures respecting America. 

We are waiting with Impatience to know in w't manner the Minis- 
try will make good the Promises they gave us last Summer of easing the 
Colonies, and how they will extricate themselves out of the Embarrass- 
ments at home. With respect to ourselves, besides the Board of Com- 
missioners, there are three grand Grievances to be redres't. The Reve- 
nue Laws; the Unconstitutional Pow'rs of the Admiralty Courts, and 
the Standing Army in Time of Peace. Either of these remaining with 
us, will prove a root of Bitterness. 

I am Sir, with best wishes to you and yours 

Your Most Obedt. hum"." Servt. 

S. C. 
The Hon! Thos. Pownall Escj'" 

VII. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

March 26. 1770 
Sir 

I wrote you not long since on account of the conduct of our Mer- 
chants respecting those who had violated their engagements, on the Head 
of NonTmportation and the Part the L' (Governor took in the afl'air. 
This was soon follow'd by the Murder of a Lad' from the Discharge of 
a loaded Muskeut, by an infamous informer w'ch wounded another and 
endanger'd many more, of wch you will no doubt particularly hear even 
before this can reach you. But nothing we have ever seen has equal'd 
the Horrors of the Bloody Massacre on the evening of the 5'" Instant 

' Christopher .Snider. See Mem. IJi:>t. Boston, III. 30. 



Letters of Samuel Cooper to Thomas Poiviiall 317 

when a Party of Soldiers with Capt. Preston at their head fir'd upon the 
Inhabitants in King Street without a civil Magistrate without the least 
Reason to justify so desj^erate a step and without any warning given to the 
People, who could have no apprehension of Danger. The circumstances 
that preceded, that accompanied, and follow'd this shocking and unex- 
ampled scene of Barbarity you will see in the public and authentic 
accounts w'ch this vessel hir'd by the Town on Purpose to carry. 

The Day following, when the Town assembled, and the Governor 
met his council, with the principal Military Officers the Town prest for 
a total Removal of the Troops to the Castle, the council unanimously 
advis'd it, and Col. Dalrymple, the commanding Officer, Signified his 
readiness, and even appear'd to desire it; which shows his good Judg- 
ment in such a critical circumstance. But the LI Governor alone was 
backward would have compounded for one Regiment, and kept the affair 
in suspence till near night, when he gave way with reluctance. He is by 
this Time sensible I believe that it is easier to advise and act the second 
Part in Government, than to stand forward and open in the first Depart- 
ment. 

It was a great Favor of Heav'n that the soldiers proceeded no further : 
That the Inhabitants did not attempt to revenge themselves Instantly; 
That the Promise of Justice was immediately perform'd and the Party 
with the Captain deliver'd up to the civil Magistrates. Had more Blood 
been shed of which there was the most eminent Hazard in the first Heat 
and confusion our Brethren in the country, apprehending a general 
M.issacre, being on Tip Toe to come to our Defence, no one can tell 
where it would have stopt, nor what consequences it would have drawn 
after it, not only in this but in other. Colonies : But a Kind Providence 
interpos'd for us, and we are now happily deliver'd from that Army, 
which instead of preserving the Peace among us, has in numerous In- 
stances most audaciously violated it, and instead of Aiding has overaw'd 
and sometimes even assaulted the civil Magistrates, and Demonstrated 
how impossible [it] is for Soldiers and Citizens at least in our Circum- 
stances to live together. For these and other reasons we cannot suppose 
that Trooj)s [will] ever again be quarter'd in the Body of the Town. — I 
could say much upon this Subject but chose to forbear. 

The Commissioners have never held a Board since the late Tragical 
affair, they have adjourn' d themselves from Time to Time, without con- 
sulting M' Temple ; ' and have left the Town ever since the Departure of 
the Soldiers, and tho not the least Injury or Insult has been offer'd either 
to their Persons or any thing belonging to them, it is tho't that they are 
now so sensible of the Public Odium, and so tir'd of their employment, as 
to wish for a Removal. The night after the Massacre, the State and ap- 
prehension of the Town absolutely requir'd a strong Military watch : This 

' lohn Temple, one of the five commissioners of the board of customs for North Am- 
erica, and after the war consul-general of Great Britain to the United States. He 
married Elizabeth, only daughter of Governor Bowdoin, and in 1786 succeeded his kins- 
man, Sir Richard Temple, as eighth baronet of .stowe. 

AM. HIST. RK\., VOL. VHI. — 21. 



3 1 8 Dociinieiits 

was kept up till the Soldiers had all retir'd to the Castle, and the Town 
has been quiet and in good order ever since. The Officers with their 
Servants and Attendants from the Castle pass the Streets night and Day 
in their Regiments without the least Molestation or Uneasiness. 

M." Robinson one of the Commissioners sail'd for London more than 
a week ago. His Intention was kept a profound secret till he had em- 
barqued and was under Sail, this has occasion'd many Conjectures. It 
is reported among other things that he carries Depositions secretly taken, 
relating to the firing upon the Inhabitants, and hopes for the advantage 
of making the first Impression If it should be represented that there 
was a great Mob in King Street, and the Custom House attack' d, you 
may depend upon it nothing can be further from the truth as you will 
see by the Depositions sent. 

Our General Court is now sitting at Cambridg. Both Houses are 
uneasy at their inconvenient Situation. The Representatives sit in the 
New Chapel without fire. The \1 Governor pleads an instruction from 
which he cannot, and the House protests ag'st this as an Infraction of the 
Charter. They are now preceding to Business, having as the first step, 
appointed a Committee of Grievances. Such Prorogations instead of 
humbling do but increase the Spirit of opposition, and by this Time it 
must be evident to all, that it is absolutely necessary to restore Harmony 
and Confidence upon a broad, equal, and Constitutional Basis. It gives 
me great Joy to hear of your Recovery. May God long confirm your 
Health, and grant to you and yours all good Things. 1 am my dear Sir, 
with the most cordial Attachment 

Your Obedt. and hum''.'- Servt. 
To Governor Pownall • S. Cooper. 

viii. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Dear Sir Boston. July 2. 70 

I have receiv'd your rejjeated Favors, the Dates of which I am not 
now where I can command, but believe all you have sent have been de- 
liver'd : Tho my ill state of Health and absence from Town have pre- 
vented my writing you as I should have done, we are greatly indebted to 
you for your uncommon services, and unremitted exertion in Parliament, 
for the joint Interest of Britain and the colonies, for your Speeches 
— your state of the Colonies, — your attention to the unconstitutional 
Military Fow'r introduc'd among us in i'ime of Peace : and your concern 
that the grand securities of British Liberty may be clearly extended God 
prosper and reward your generous L (Torts. Your Speech in March I 
immediately communicated to Speaker Gushing He admir'd it, and 
carried it to Cambridg the same Day, and read it to the House— it was 
heard with great Avidity and Pleasure : and we have seen nothing like it 
from any Member of Parliament. I am astonish'd however that the Rea- 
soning and Force of Expression should have no greater effect in your H. 
where they ought to have had the most. 



Letters of Samuel Cooper to TJioinas Pownall 319 

I am astonish'd to find upon Gardiner's arrival, t)y whom I have 
receiv'd yours of 11"' of May' how basely the bloody affair of the s**" 
March has been Misrepresented in the London Papers. It shows the 
Malignitv of some men against this Town and Province. Those who 
are capable of giveing and sup|)orting such false and cruel Representa- 
tions are the chief source of the Troubles of both Countries, and consider- 
ing the Disposition of these Persons the Arts they employ, the attention 
paid to them (Check'd only now and then by Facts publish' d to all the O) 
and the encouragement given them by Secreting their Names; I have small 
hopes of a speedy and cordial accommodation. If any Person here give 
true Information of what ought to be known by Governm't, it cannot be 
to their Dishonor. If otherwise, they ought to be expos' d, what chance 
have we, in our present critical situation, if men disaffected to the Coun- 
try in general may accuse us, and give a Malevolent Turn to ev'ry Inci- 
dent, while we can neither know the Authors, nor the Matter of the accu- 
sation. I expect from what has already happen'd, that before this reaches 
you, you will hear inflam'd accounts of the Treatment the Population 
have given to the Importers and to the Informers, and of Commissioner 
Hulton's windows being broke at Brookline. The Town at their Meet- 
ing yesterday chose a committee to state these Facts. But not knowing 
in what Light they will be held up, it is difficult to state circumstances so 
minutely, as to obviate any Misrepresentation. Thus had we been aware 
of the shockingly false Idea that would have been given of the Military 
Execution, The Captains [Captions?] tho sufficient as they now stand to 
disprove it might have been more clear and ample to this particular Pur- 
pose. You will see perhaps Proclamations from the L! Governor and 
council upon some of these Disorders, Tho no Proclamation has ap- 
pear' d at N. York upon Several Occasions at least as important, particu- 
larly when M' Rogers was drove out of that City, as an Importer and 
oblig'd to fly in the night. I am an enemy to all Disorders, and wish 
they c'd be prevented. But circumstances are candidly to be consid- 
er'd. — and a country distinguis'd from a few obscure Persons in it. 
When Governm't would enforce Measures that People of all orders ap- 
prehend to be unconstitutional, there it will and there perhaps it ought 
to be weak. The commissioners you know having Tarried some Time 
in Town after Preston's affair, without the le[a]st affront, retir'd into 
the Country and held no Board since the Breaking of Hulton's Windows, 
which notwithstanding the reward offer'd, still remains a Mystery, they 
have gone to the Castle. — attended by Officers of the Revenue Importers 
etc. The Castle is no disagreable situation in the Summer Season, and 
they expect great things Perhaps from the Retirement. But the Plot 
will not bear a second Acting. Notwithstanding the Infidelity of a few 
— the NonTmportation Agreement [?] still Continues. It is got in a 
great Measure under the controul of the Body of the People thro the 
Continent. The Importers here, wish'd to be restor'd to the Esteem of 
their country upon any Terms. W Rogers particularly have made the 

1 Printed in Griffin, /. i., 269. 



3 20 Doaiments 

most pressing applications: and Individuals I believe will be less in- 
clin'd than ever to act secretly and sei)arately from the Body — and 
Bills of Exchange go a begging greatly under Par. Commodore Hood ' 
unable to dispose of Bills, has borrow'd ^5000 sterl. of the Revenue 
chest, to pay for the King's works at Hallifax. Instead of being, we are 
becoming, creditors to your Merchants ; and some of us have order' d 
Money, instead of goods to be remitted. 

If you knew all the circumstances you w'd admire the Candor of the 
People to Capt. Preston. The 'I'own order' d the account of his affair, 
and the Affidavits to be kept secret here, lest they s'd operate to his 
Prejudice on his Trial, and tho his false Acc't in the London Papers have 
been reprinted in ours and may be suppos'd to have some effect in the 
country and in other Provinces, as a Ballance to w'ch it was mov'd in 
the late Town Meeting, that our own acc't s'd be despers'd, yet this 
Motion was negativ'd from Tenderness to him. Peo|)le seem universally 
to wish him a fair Trial — Tho a Tendency prevails that from Court 
Favor the Law will be eluded — and indeed the confidence of the People 
in the Executive Pow'r is greatly awak'ned in all cases that have a Polit- 
ical Connection. 
To Gov-: P. 

IX. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

12 Oct.' 70. and Nov 5'.'' 
Dear Sir 

I am the more obliged to you for the repeated Favors you have done 
me in Writing this Summer, as my state of Health and visits into the 
Country have prevented my Letters. Upon my return f 'm a late excur- 
sion I received y'r Letters^ by Capt. White, w'ch I found to be Dupli- 
cates of w't Commodore Gambler,^ who arriv'd in our Harbor 2 days 
ago did me the Honor to convey to me last evening immediately upon 
his coming to Town. As you have very kindly introduc'd me to this 
Gentleman, I shall take the first opp.y to pay my respects to him in 
comj^any with M.' Bavvdoin, and s'd be glad to have it in my Pow'r to 
promote in any measure the ease and agreableness of his Service here. I 
find you are unwearied in y'r exertions to serve America, and particu- 
larly the Province you once so happily Govern'd You will at le[a]st 
have the homefelt satisfaction that must attend such generous efforts. A 
Speech said to have been deliver' d the last sessions of Parliam't doing gt 
Honor to the Massachusetts, f 'm our past Services to the Crown, and 
Strongly pleading that the supreme Military s'd not be separated from 

' Samuel Hood, a distinguished British naval commander. For his services during 
the wars of the French Revolution he was made an admiral and created Viscount Hood. 

•^ Refers to the July letters, of which there are three in the King's Library, one with 
a duplicate. 'I'hey are printed in Griffin, loi . cit., 274-287. 

•'James Gambier, afterwards vice admiral, from 1770 to 1773 commander-in-chief of 
the fleet on the North American station. He subsequently served at New York and 
thence was transferred to Jamaica. His son James was raised to the peerage as Baron 
Gambier. 



Letters of Samuel Cooper to ThoDias Poioiiall 32 i 

the Supreme Civil Command, wch I take to be yours has found its 
way here, been reprinted, and read with much attention and Pleasure. 
It will do g't service, as it points out very clearly in some important 
Instances, the Ground we ought to take : And I could wish with you that 
we were at all Times wise eno to distinguish Things f m Persons, and to 
place ourselves on the broadest and most constitutional Bottom. It 
appears to me of no small Importance that we s'd commit our affairs on 
yr side the Water to the Conduct of some capable trusty Agents: But 
w't will be done on this Head is at present quite uncertain — M' Bau 
doin will never accept this Trust, Mr Bollan has the Interest of a great 
Part of the Council : The House on the other hand notwithstanding his 
exertions against S' Fr. do not confide in him upon Acc't of his personal 
connections here, vv'ch I need not particularly mention to you. Some 
of considerable Influence seem not Sollicitous for any Agent. They say 
it is alledg'd that one who can do effectual Service must be chosen by the 
whole Legislature, and this is giving the Governor great Influence in this 
important Matter, and for this very reason S!' Francis Bernard hinted to 
ministry an objection to the late Agent of the House, wch objection 
ought to have operated ag'st the Agent for N. York and others, had there 
been any Weight in it, and yt they who refuse the negociations of an Agent 
for the House only would do the same by one chosen by the whole Leg- 
islature w'n the nature of the Business was not agreable to you, and that 
such an Agent, with Pow'rs equal to w't were formerly given, might 
make such concessions on the Part of the Province at this Juncture that 
would be irritrieveable : They say further, that Experience has shown in 
the present Disposition of Men the inutility of all remonstrances and 
negociation. They therefore seem inclin'd to expect their fate with a 
Sullen Silence : and almost dispairing of the Mildness, they w'd found 
some Hopes in the extremity of Measures. I think however that we 
ought to do ev'ry thing in our Pow'r to allay the Storm, and scatter the 
Cloud of Misrepresentation, f 'm w'ch we are so severely Fhreatn'd, and 
accordingly I agree with M!' Bawdoin in wishing, that you and D!" Frank- 
lin might be joint agents, and if this c'd not be otherwise effected, that 
MI' Bollan might be added. I s'd be glad if it were in my pow'r to do 
more in this Matter than barely to express my wishes. 

The House pinch'd by the expiration of some important Acts 
relative to Property, and by the ajiprehension of a heavy Tax falling 
upon the Constituents for the coming year, voted two days ago by a 
considerable Majority, to proceed to Business out of the Town of Bos- 
ton, and at the same Time, chose a committee to frame some resolu- 
tions and as a Protest to save as far as may be, the Privilege for w'ch 
they have contested. I shall give you the earliest notice of these Pro- 
ceedings 

I'he Defection of the Merchants in N York f 'm the non- Importa- 
tion agreement has render'd it impracticable both here and at Philadel- 
phia to maintaining any longer that agreem't. It stood long however 
considering how much it was oppos'd to private Interest and did not fall 



322 



DociLDients 



at last it is suppo^'d without a secret exertion of Ministerial Influence: 
The Measure is exhausted, but its effect may long remain. The true 
spirit of it has been a good deal diffus'd thro the Country and there, 
according to an observation of yours it flourishes in its native soil. There 
is a proposal here for forming a society for encouraging Manufactures, and 
at the same Time entring into agreement for discouraging the consump- 
tion of British Goods. — The misfortune of my great Friend Capt. 
Phillips^ touches me not a little, who without the least warning is de- 
priv'd of an agreeable Settlem't as he had good reason to suppose for 
Life, by the introduction of regular Troops into the Castle, without any 
appointm't to alleviate his loss. He is a worthy Man, and I heartily 
wish some Provision might be made for him. W't impression this 
Measure makes here, consider'd in a public view, you may easily con- 
jecture. The Commissioners after contributing to this and some other 
Purposes, by their pretended Fears, and retiring to the Castle, tho no 
Insult or Injury was ever offer' d to the Persons or any thing belonging 
to them, in the Town of Boston. After spending their Summer in a 
situation that in the season was always agreable to you, and f 'm whence 
they have freely [/7/<f^7/V<?] and visited their Friends in the country, now 
talk of passing the winter here. If this were not too serious a Subject. 
Resum teneatis amici. 

Novr 5. I had wrote thus far when I was told the vesel was gone. 
I have now to inform you that the House have chosen D' Franklin''' for 
their own Agent for one year only. From the Influence of the councils 
and from various particular connections of their own they were much di- 
vided. Some of them have since told me, it was apprehended, that the 
Agency for the House alone, and with such limited Fow'r, as the House 
propos'd would not be acceptable to you. The following Week they 
chose D"' Lee,^ to act in case of D' Franklin's Sickness or Detention 
f'm Business: they have done little since they Sat, for the Time : and 
their Committee for representing Grievances have not yet reported — 
The Council were astonish' d at seeing an acc't of w't was said at the 
Board on the 6 March etc. printed in London attested by the Secretary 
on oath, and the Seal of the Province, which had l)een kept a profound 
Secret here, till it was read in the Pamphlet. The Gentlemen present 
upon that occasion, have given an account upon oath of w't was spoken, 
opposite it is said in some material circumstances [to] that of the 
Secretary. The affair was then consider'd by the whole Board, and the 
conduct of the Secretary was unanimously resolv'd a high Breach of 
Trust zxv^ Privilege, all wch- tho not printed here is transmitted to the 

'John Phillips. In 1772 he was restored to office, receiving the appointment of 
fort-major of Castle William. 

* He succeeded Dennis De Berdt, who had been agent in England for the House 
since 1765. See Franklin's Woi-ks (ed. Sparks), VII. 493, note. 

3 Arthur Lee, brother of Richard Henry Lee, was successively physician and law- 
yer. He served in various diplomatic capacities in Europe, and on his return to .\merica 
was chosen a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was a fellow of the Royal So- 
ciety. See Sparks, /. <-., VHL 57, note ; and R. H. Lee's Life of Arthur Lee. 



Letters oj Samuel Cooper to Thomas Powuall 323 

Council's Agent. This is another infamous specimen of the means em- 
ploy'd ag'st this hated and much abus'd Country. L'! Dunmore ' is 
arriv'd at N. York, and has 2000 ^ sterl^ out of the American Reve- 
nue commencing nine Months ago, from the Date of his commission. 
I am Sir with respect and Affection 
Yours Obedt. 
To Gov. Pownall 

X. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Boston N. E. 2 Jan^ 1771 
Dear Sir 

I wrote you in Octr and Novr of the state of our affairs here. 
We have a good cause, but I'm afraid it has not been conducted alto- 
gether to that advantage it might have been. I hope however a kind 
Providence will at length bring it to an happy Issue. Capt. Preston, 
and the Soldiers tried for the action of the 5'" March, instead of meeting 
with an unfair or harsh Treatment, have had ev'ry advantage that c'd 
possibly be given them in a court of Justice. In the Dispositions of the 
Judges— the appointment of Jurors, — in the Zeal and ability of Law- 
yers,^ — in the examination of Witneses, and in the Length of the Trials 
unexampled I believe both in Britain and the Colonies in a Capital case, 
by w'ch the accused had the fairest opportunity several Days after the 
evidence for the Crown had been given in, to produce and arrange their 
own. I'hese Trials must one w'd think wipe off the Imputation of our 
being so violent and Blood Thirsty a People as not to permit Law and 
Justice to take place on the side of unpo[)ular Men, and I hope our 
Friends on your side the Water will make this kind improvem't of 
them — administration has a very favoraljle opportunity of adopting 
gentle Methods respecting the colonies. 

The agreements of our Merchs are broken, and the grand objection 
of being threatned and drove ceases. The Hostile appearance in Europe 
may perhaps lead men of Influence to embrace such an opp^ and they 
may think it politic to sever the affections as well as the submission of 
the People here. — I forgot in my last Letter to Mention my Friend Mr 
Temple who is now in England and who I heard repeated speak of you 
with much Regard. He even appear'd to me to wish to do the King's 
Business in the most prudent and faithful Manner, and with the greatest 
ease and Satisfaction to the subject. I know He will highly value your 
Friendship. This will be deliver'd to you by the only son of our Friend 
M' Baudoin ^ a sensible modest young Gentleman, and of a sweet Dis- 
position, who bids fair to support the Honor of his Family. He leaves 

ijohn Murray, fourth Earl of Uunmore. In 1770 he was appointed governor of 
the colony of New York, to which was subsequently added that of Virginia. 

'^Captain Preston was defended by John Adams and Josiah Quincy, Jr., and was 
acquitted. 

3 lames Bowdoin, only son of Governor Bowdoin, was graduated at Harvard Col- 
lege in 1 771. He was subsequently appointed by Thomas Jefferson United States min- 
ister to the court of ^pain. 



324 Dociini€)its 

his Studies at Cambridg, and takes this voyage chiefly on account of his 
Heahh, and would esteem himself greatly honor' d by any notice you 
should be pleas' d to take him. 

I wrote you in my last on the Agency, and shall only say once for 
all, that I did all in my Pow'r for the sake of my Country to bring you 
into a share of that Troul^le. I am D'r Sir with the greatest Respect, 
and the most faithful attachment 

Your Obedt. Hum!'''" Serv't 

S. Cooper 
To Governor Pownall 

XI. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 
^l^ B iSTON N. E. 23 Aug 71 

I cannot let Commodore Gambier return to England without giving 
you my Thanks for Introducing [me] to the acquaintance of so agree- 
able a Gentleman and worthy officer. His behavior upon this station has 
been inev'ry Respect just as you would wish. Ever attentive to the King's 
Service, He has enter'd into no Parties. He has treated with great 
Humanity and Politeness all who have had any Business to transact with 
him. He has befriended and oblig'd the Trade in ev'ry Point consist- 
ent with his Duty, as a Commander, and the order and Tran(]uility He 
has preserv'd in the Squadron and Town have been truly remarkable. I 
have heard the most judicious and experienc'd Gentlemen among us and 
those capable of making the longest Recollection affirm they never knew 
an equal Instance. Upon these Acc'ts his early and unexpected De- 
parture is regretted, and he leaves Sentiments of Respect and Gratitude 
in the Breasts of all Parties. The Merchants have given him a public 
Testimony of such sentiments in their address, and the Town w'd have, 
done the same, had it not been obstructed by some few, who tho't very 
injudiciously in my opinion that the Service c'd not be seperated f 'm the 
Man, and that such a step must imply some kind of acquiescence in the 
stationing of a Fleet in this Port. From the same Quarter your Letters 
etc. were injudiciously treated, and your Interest for the Agency o|)pos'd 
because of your conceding the Rights of Parliament etc. Not to men- 
tion the unkind Treatment, which in this and several other Instances I 
have receiv'd from the same Persons. I w'd pride myself however in 
any thing of that kind that may occur to me from a Regard to the cause 
of Justice, Candor, and Friendship. I s'd tire you were I to enter into 
a Detail. Some Things I have mention'd to Commodore Gambier as 
your Friend. It gives me great satisfaction to reflect that I have ever 
endeaver'd to improve the Friendly communications you have been 
pleas'd to make me in these tempestuous Times to your Honor, and the 
Service of my Country, and that I have in no Instance forgot the Confi- 
dence with which you have honor'd me. 

I am sir, with Gt. Esteem and Affection 

Yours 
To G. Pownall S. C. 



Letters of Samuel Cooper to TJiomas Pownall 325 

XII. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Boston N. E. 14? Novr. 71. 
Dear Sir 

After writing you several Times without hearing from you, or know- 
ing that you receiv'd my Letters, I wrote again by Commodore Gambier : 
since which I receiv'd a Duplicate of yours a long Time after it was 
dated, which came to me by the Southern Post : and a few days ago 
another came to me thro the same channel of July 26'.'' ' I know not by 
w't Fatality our Letters have thus miscarried or have been delay' d. Those 
however now Mentioned Made me happy in the assurance of a Friend- 
ship and Correspondence from w'ch I have receiv'd great Pleasure and 
advantage. 

It is not true as you have been inform'd that the Spirit of the assem- 
bly and of the People is totally alter' d, and that they w'd now gladly 
receive as a Favor, and ask and hope upon that Tenure w't they before 
claim'd as a Right. Such Representations tend only to deceive, and 
mislead Governm't. The Tone of the House, on ev'ry Point of Privilege 
is as firm as ever : and tho an high Ferment cannot be expected to con- 
tinue long among the People and the irritation into w'ch they were 
thrown has abated, yet their inward sentiments are not alter'd, but by 
far the greater Part have a settled Persuasion that we are in a state of op- 
pression that our most important Privileges are violated, that our Par- 
liani't here ought to come between the Sovereign and the American 
Subject, just in the same Manner that the British Parliament does with 
respect to the British Subject, and that whatever takes place contrary to 
this is (at home an Infringement upon the Prorogative of our Sovereign, 
who has a right to govern his Dominions here uncontroll'd and even un- 
influenc'd by either House of Parliam't in Britain) and in America is 
the Meer effect of Pow'r and not the result of reason or [of] the Consti- 
tution. This is the Sentiment w'ch the late Disputes have at length pro- 
duc'd, and w'ch by long attention to, and frequent Discussion of our 
Public Grievances does now generally prevail, there being few except 
those who are Influenc'd by Places and Pensions, and those who do not 
think at all, but what have adopted it. To convince you that I here 
give a true representation, and that the People, however tir'd they may 
seem of Complaining and Clamoring to no effect have yet at Bottom a 
sense of the Injuries their Rights have receiv'd, and are ready to express 
this sense as occasion may provoke them. 

I will mention to you what has lately taken Place among us, w'ch 
tho it may seem small in itself, and of no great consequence, is sufficient 
to indicate the prevailing Temper. The Governor's Proclamation for an 
Annual Thanks", was to have been read in our churches last Sunday, in 
w'ch among other things, we are call'd upon to give thanks to Heav'n 
for the Coiitiniiauce of oi/r Frivi/e^i^es. This was deem'd by the People an 
open Insult upon them, and a prophane Mockery of Heav'n. 'I"he gen- 
eral cry was, we have lost our Most essential Rights, and shall be com- 

1 Printed in Griffin, /. c, 290. 



■326 Documents 

manded to give Thanks for what does not exist. Our congregations ap- 
plied to the several Ministers in Town praying it might not be read as 
usual, and declaring if we offer'd to do it, they w'd rise up and leave the 
Chh. And tho no little Pains was taken by the Governor's Friends to 
get over this Difficulty and to explain away the sense of the clause by 
saying all were agreed we had some Privileges left, and that no more was 
meant by the Public Act than such Privileges as we in Fact enjoy' d, all 
w'd not avail. Had the Ministers inclined it was not in their Pow'r to 
read it, a circumstance w'ch never before [took] Place among us. It was 
read only in D'' Pemberton's Church, of which the Governor is a Mem- 
ber. He did it with confusion, and Numbers turn'd their Backs upon 
him and left the Chh in great indignation. It was I believe thro want 
of attention, and an opportunity of consulting one another, read by a 
Majority of Ministers in the Country Parishes. One Association of the 
Clergy happening however to meet at the Time, agreed to reject it : and 
it has been read by few Ministers, if any who have not declar'd either 
their Sorrow for so doing, or that they read it as a public Act, without 
adopting the Sentiments : and that it is their intention on the appointed 
day, w'ch is next Thursday, to give Thanks for the Privileges we enjoy, 
and implore of the Almighty God the restoration of w't we have lost. 
It has been said that the Governor's intention in adopting this obnoxious 
Clause, w'ch tho formerly a customary clause, has been omitted ever since 
the Stamp Act was to convey an Idea to your side of the water, an Idea 
that the People were become Sensible that they were really free and 
happy. If this was his intention He was unlucky in the meanes, and I 
believe wishes from His Heart He had never made the experiment. I 
mention these circumstances so particularly in Confidence and because 
nothing has of late occur'd among us from which you may so well Judg 
of the Sentiments of the People. I had almost forgot to mention another 
Clause in the Proclamation w'ch respect [s] the Increase of our Trade, 
which under our present Embarrassments, and the enormous Extention of 
the Pow'r of Admiralty Courts, was almost as offensive as the other. 

You cannot but observe Sir upon the whole how different the Senti- 
ments of the People and the state of things among us are now from what 
they were when you govern' d us: and w't unhappy consequences the 
late Measures of Government have produc'd, what seed of contention are 
sow'd for future Times, when new events in Britain and America will 
arise. I shall take care to inform you of Things as they turn up, and am 

with great Esteem and Attachment ,, ^., , .._ ^,. ^ 

^ Your Obedt Hum*''' Servt 

To Governor Pownall. S. Cooper. 

XIII. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 
Dear Sir Boston 25'!^ March 73. 

The first and Second Paragraphs of the Letter to D": Franklin of 15 
March. 73.' transcribed and then proceed as follows. — 

•The letter is printed in Sparks, VIIT. 36. The opening paragraphs to which Dr. 
Cooper alludes, refer to his own health and the recent appointment of Lord Dartmouth as 
secretary of state fer the colonies. 



Lettei's of Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall 327 

Whether the Governor will be thanked by administration for his 
Speech ' at the opening of the last Session of the General Court you can 
best tell. It is certain he has gain'd nothing by it here. The Replies 
of both Houses are read with High Approbation in more Colonies than 
one ; and the People are more confirm'd in their sentiments and en- 
courag'd to maintain them. With all his connections and abilities He is 
not able to alter the sentiments of this People ; and reconcile them to 
the Measures of Governm't ; and the more openly and Strenuously He 
exerts himself, his Influence and ability to promote such a Purpose be- 
comes the less. This is obvious from the Una[ni]mity of both Houses 
as well as the Towns. He was obliged, He publicly declares, by the 
Town of Boston to bring on such an open Descussion. But might he 
not have expres'd his Dislike of their Proceedings without putting both 
Houses to the Necessity of declaring as they have done, and giving up 
by their Silence upon such a Challenge, the cause of their country. It 
was precisely this situation that in a great measure led the council I 
imagine to go so far as they did, and bro't them to declare an agree- 
ment with the House in the main Principles. 

The Governor having refus'd for some Time to pass the Grant for 
the Salary of the Judges for last year, tho't proper to sign it, upon which 
the House made another Grant for the year to come, which He did not 
allow ; so that the Matter is not yet com [pleted ?] . 

I have often recollected your predictions and Foresight in wishing 
and endeavoring for a settlement of these unhappy disputes several years 
ago. Time has verify'd the Truth of what you then observed, that the 
longer this was delayed the more difficult it would become. Had a com- 
position been early made, only by anihilating Inovations, and recuring 
to the old course, which Time and Practice had sanctifyed, a veneration 
for the Supreme Authority of Parliament would have been unavoidably 
left upon the minds of the People Sufficient to have Answer'd all the 
Purposes that a wise and moderate administration could desire, which the 
Influence of the Crown, from the great Pow'r reserved by Charter to its 
representatives would have secretly and gradually extended itself within 
this Province. But administration misled by artful and interested men 
here, negotiating for Salaries Perquisites and Pensions has kept up the 
Contention, and instead of diminishing has added to the Grievances 
complain'd of. By this Means, the Matter of Right, which if it had 
slept had been more safe, has been upon the anvill perpetually, both in 
private conversation and printed Discussion. The Subject has been 
attended to for a number of years by an inquisitive and sensible People ; 
It has been turn'd round in ev'ry Circle and view'd on all sides. The 
Effect has been a thoro and almost universal Persuasion that for a People 
to pay Taxes and be govern'd by Law to w'ch they do not consent is 

* " Upon the convening of the General Assembly, tlie governor opened it with a 
long speech in defence of the absolute supremacy of Parliament over the colonies, invit- 
ing both Houses to offer what they had to object against this principle." From the same 
letter, /. c, 37. 



328 Documents 

absolute Slavery ; consequently, the British Parliament, according to Bur- 
lamqui's' Destinction, whatever external Ohli,^ation it may retain among 
us, has lost the internal Obligation. The servants of the Crown ought 
to have foreseen this ; and guarded ag'st it, instead of wch, while it has 
been growing up before their eyes, they have done evry Thing if not 
intentionally, yet in true Tendency to promote it. There has been a 
surprizing coincidence of Measure and events to such an Effect : and I 
should have tho't at the Time you left us, the revolution I now see in 
the Sentiments and Hearts of the People next to impossible. You know 
what has been — I write what is, without pretending to [predict?] what 
will be, only that I shall ever remain, with great esteem and affection 
yours, Obliged and Most Obedt hum''''' Servt 

S. C. 
I write in Confidence as I have ever done. 
To Governor Pownall. 

XIV. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Boston 17 Aug 1774 
Dear Sir 

My Retirement into the Country this Spring and Summer must 
be my apology for no sooner answering your last Favor.' Y'r Advice is 
sound and good to preserve a Moderate and pacific Spirit, but under our 
peculiar circumstances accumulated Grievances ha[r]d to be practis'd. 
The Act for blockading the Port of Boston has been executed beyond 
the Rigor of the Act itself. The Fuel and Victuals are allow' d by it to 
be bro't us by water, would you believe that our coasters with wood 
have been not only obliged to stop at Salem for a Clearance, but totally to 
unload and reload in the way hither : and 240 Quintals sent by our Kind 
Friends at Marblehead to the distressed poor of this place were not 
allow' d to be water born not even over Charlestown Ferry, but transported 
round the country thro Roxbury in Waggons ; and yet these are Facts on 
w'ch you may rely. 

We have now a Vice Admiral' and a Fleet in our Harbor, totally 
shutting up not only the entrance at the Light House, but i 2 or 13 small 
Ports within that Point, such as Hingham, Weymouth etc., and allowing 
no Intercommunication between any of them. How much this affects 
the whole Province, the other Provinces, and what effect it must have 
on the Trade of Britain, you. may easily judg. Even Salem severely 
feels the want of the Port for the Sale of their Cargoes etc. Lord North's 
Coasters, as the common people call the Trucks and Waggons carrying 
Goods between us and that Port, are constantly met on the Road, some- 
times to the amount of 40 or 50 in a day. We have 4 Regiments en- 
camp'd on the Common with a large train of Artillery : one on Fort 

' Jean Jacques Burlamaqui, the eminent Swiss publicist, author of Prnuipt's dti Droit 
Nalurel, Geneva, 1747, and Principes dn Droit Politique, (Geneva, 1751. 

'Printed in C.rifiin, /. c, 299. 

3. Samuel Graves, afterwards admiral, commander-in-chief on the North American 
station. In 1 776 he was superseded. 



Lette7'S of Sanmel Coopej- to Thomas Powiiall 329 

hill: one at the castle, another lately arriv'd f'm N. Scotia is station'd 
at Salem. The People endure all with an astonishing Calmness and 
Resolution; neither dismay'd nor tumultuous ; supported and encourag'd 
by the Sympathy and generous Presents from all Quarters of tne Country 
and from our Sister Colonies. These Presents are distributed by a Com- 
mittee for employing the poor as the reward of Labor. Our Streets are 
paving public Works in Projection, and ships to be built and sold as a 
circulating Stock. How long this scene will last, God only knows. Our 
cause is regarded as a common one by all the Colonies. The most dis- 
tant, the Carolinas and Virginia seem the most ardent. Our Delegates 
with those of N. Hampshire sat out a icw days ago for the Congress to 
be held at Philadelphia i" Septr. All the Colonies f 'm Carolina to N. 
Hampshire will be represented there. All eyes are turn'd towards that 
important Assembly ; and its Decision will [come] with great W^eight. 

The long expected Bills for vacating the the' Charter etc. arriv'd 
about 10 days ago. 1 will make no reflections upon them. A number 
have refiis'd to qualify as Councillors. Whether they will change their 
minds Time will discover. Among these are Capt Erving, Danforth, 
Russell, Noyes, Vassal, Green, and others. I can hear at present of not 
more than 12 that have taken the Oath. But a number live at a Dis- 
tance, and have not yet had an opportunity of discovering their Incli- 
nation. Col. Hancock is dismissed f 'm his Command of the Cadets 
upon w'ch the Company sent their Colors to the Governor and dis- 
solv'd. 

I make no Conjectures of Futurity. We are in a critical Situation 
and must wait the event. Perhaps America may yet be sav'd : Heaven 
grant it 

1 am etc. yours 

S. Cooper. * 
l"o Govr. Pownall 

XV. Samuel Cooper to Thomas Pownall. 

Boston N. England. 28. March 1777 
Sir, 

Believing it would not be disagreable to you, to hear I am well, 
and have still a respectful and affectionate Remembrance of you, after a 
long Intermission of writing to England, I embrace this opportunity of 
sending you a Line, returning you my Thanks for your last Letter, and 
the Book that accompanied it, tho upon the Subject of both present 
circumstances will not allow me to say a Word. 

If this short acknowledgment ever comes to you it will be delivered 
by Mr Hixon, a Native of Montserrat, and whose Estate lies in that 
Island — He was bound on a Plan of Business to London, by the way of 

1 Sic. 

-A letter from Cooper to Pownall (King's MSS. 203), dated Boston, g September 
1774, is here omitted, being a duplicate of one of the same date sent to Franklin, and 
printed in Sparks, /. .:., VIII. 132. 



330 Doc2ime}its 

Cork, and taken by an American Vessel of War, and brought to this 
Port, where he has resided ever since last October : In the mean Time 
he has married my only Daughter and Child. I should not have con- 
sented to this Alliance had 1 not found good Reason to esteem him a 
Gentleman of Probity and Worth. Your advice, in any Circumstance 
in which he may need it will particularly oblige me : He can give you a 
general account of the present Situation of Affairs in America. It will 
give me great Pleasure to hear of your Welfare. May Heaven grant you 
all good Things ! 

I am Sir, with much Esteem, 

Your obedient hum' Servant 
Governor Pownall. S. C. 



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